CroatiaIn an open interview ahead of the new season of investigative magazine 'Provjerenog,' reporter Danka Derifaj discusses the cost of uncompromising journalism in Croatia. Over two decades of fieldwork, she has become one of the few media figures seen as a last hope for justice, continuing to choose humanity and empathy despite the risk of being discredited. She addresses pressures, threats, and accusations she faced after investigating a well-known Split roof dispute, stating that the system often protects the powerful rather than citizens. In her conversation with tportal, she comments on the state of media freedom, facing 'vjetrenjače' (wind turbines) in the era of PR barriers, and acknowledges both professional and personal sacrifices. She emphasizes that the focus remains on uncovering important issues, regardless of their sensitivity, and expresses frustration when institutions only act after journalists expose problems. She highlights the importance of trust in media, noting that while public trust often declines, 'Provjerenog' maintains high credibility due to its long-form, in-depth approach.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the challenges faced by investigative journalism as systemic failures favoring the powerful over the public good, which aligns with left-leaning critiques of institutional corruption and power structures. The emphasis on exposing anomalies in the system and holding those in power
